Macadamisation on 6-km stretch in old town Baramulla kickstarts

Baramulla, Jun 30: After years of repeated pleas and persistent demand by locals, Baramulla town is finally witnessing a long-awaited development works. The macadamisation of a crucial 6-kilometre road stretch from Azad Gunj to Drangbal in Old Town Baramulla has begun, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of residents who have endured poor road conditions for years.

Initially, the macadamisation will be completed from Azad Gunj bridge to the Khanpora bridge and latter will be extended up to the Drangbal area. The project addresses a major civic issue that has affected the town for a long time.

Locals, particularly from the Old Town area, have repeatedly voiced the deteriorated road infrastructure, which affected not just daily commutes but also economic activity in the area. “It is indeed a huge satisfaction for the people of old town Baramulla. We were severely affected by the dilapidated road condition. This is a big relief,” said Irshad Ahmad, a resident of Jalal Sahib Baramulla.

However, Ahmad also stressed for the urgent need for the construction of a protection bund along the River Jhelum.  “Though the road work has started, it is equally important to construct a safety bund near the transport yard bridge, part of which collapsed years ago and led to the washout of several shops,” he added. In another significant development, the government has sanctioned a Rs 6.7 crore for multi-level mechanised car parking project for Baramulla town. The project aims to resolve the chronic traffic congestion that has long disrupted life in the town due to the absence of a modern parking facility.

“It’s a moment of pride for Baramulla. The efforts of the locals besides the efforts of the MLA, Baramulla, Javed Hassan Beig, and the administration have finally borne fruit. The new parking facility will streamline traffic and boost urban mobility,” said Arif Hussain, a resident of Noorbagh Baramulla.

President of the Baramulla Traders Federation, Er Tariq Mughloo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Director of Local Bodies, Executive Engineer R&B Baramulla, and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council Baramulla for their sustained efforts. He said that their collective push led to the approval of not just the parking project but also three prominent entry gates and riverbank fencing along the Jhelum. “The Federation has been pursuing these projects for over two years. With land now transferred for the parking site adjacent to Norul Huda Market, we can finally envision a more organised and beautiful Baramulla,” Mughloo said. He also extended special thanks to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, under whose directives the projects were expedited after key meetings between the Federation and senior government officials in Srinagar.